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Farragut board debates economic development coordinator; keeps position in draft budget
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Summary
Farragut’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen spent its April 23 meeting debating a proposed economic development coordinator — with aldermen split over duplication and cost — and left the position in the draft budget for a first reading on May 14; the board also scheduled a special called meeting on May 7 after a clerical notice error.
Mayor Ron Williams opened the April 23 Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting by noting the board’s budget workshops and asking members to revisit concerns raised publicly about a proposed economic development coordinator included in the draft budget.
The debate centered on whether the new coordinator would duplicate services already provided by local groups and existing staff, and on the position’s cost. Alderman McCain said he took his concerns public because some residents cannot attend workshops and he wanted the role discussed in an open forum: "I do think we need to have a, a good open discussion about it because it's an awful lot of money, to to be put into the budget for a position as staff member."
Supporters said the coordinator would consolidate scattered responsibilities and serve as an in-house advocate and single point of contact for businesses. Alderman Joe LaCroix described the post as a liaison role, not a developer or realtor, and sought to limit its scope: "This person will not be doing commercial development. This person will not be a a realtor. This person will be a collaborator. They'll be a collaborator with the FBA, with the West Chamber," he said, adding the coordinator would report to a director in community development.
Other board members raised concerns about duplication with organizations the town already funds, including the Farragut Business Alliance, the Farragut-West Knox Chamber and Visit Farragut. One member noted the proposed salary and benefits could be "100 and almost a $125,000 price tag," and urged staff and the board to consider whether duties could be assigned differently or whether language in the job description should be clarified to prevent mission creep.
Town administrator Mister Smoke said the position is listed in the draft budget and asked board members to send any suggested revisions to staff before the board’s budget first reading. "This position is in the budget, and it is in the draft budget that's before the board," he said, adding the first reading is scheduled for May 14. The board indicated a majority support for leaving the item in the draft while refining duties: staff was asked to accept guidance and bring revisions back for the May meeting.
Separately, the board approved a motion to hold a special called meeting on May 7 at 6 p.m. to address agenda items after staff reported a clerical error in the published agenda date. The motion to schedule the May 7 meeting was moved by Mayor Ron Williams and seconded from the floor; the board approved the motion by voice vote and directed staff to re-advertise the corrected notice.
During public comment, resident Diane Hall urged the town to record or retain audio/video of workshops so those who work until late hours can review discussions and better understand items later presented in regular meetings: "When you have these workshops and you don't tape them ... as citizens, we can't see it. I mean, I'm a podcast person. I'll listen to it."
The board left the economic development coordinator in the draft budget for first reading on May 14 and asked staff to incorporate any requested clarifications beforehand. The special called meeting to consider tonight’s agenda items is set for May 7 at 6 p.m. at town hall.
